Whangamata Classic
Paekak took away 20 athletes for the one day event.
Calibre was high and the carnival was a good indicator of where the
athletes are and where they need to be. As usual there were
loads of laughs and stories to be
shared around food, sun and surf. It was lovely to have
on board three newbies Nathan, Daisy and Sarah. Also it was
fantastic to have our boatie girls Amy, Sarah, Awhina and Jordan
coming up to compete and hang out with us. It is really good
to see all the athletes mix and mingle.
Huge thanks goes out to Lynnie, Jimmy, Jan, Jaydee, Paddy,
Steve, Simon and Donna for helping out with food and moving bodies
and equipment. Without your support our athletes would not be
able to do what they do.
Also a huge thanks to Rado for coaching/sweeping. Your
input in all areas are greatly valued.
In between visits to the hospital (Baxter - 10 stitches
on one finger - great photos), athletes slicing flesh off their
feet and spraining their toes, bashing noses on boards the trip
away was great. All the athletes competed well and quite a
few made the top 10 spots.
A special mention goes out to Daisy and Nate who had never
competed at a carnival let alone on a board. All that was
asked of both "they had to finish the course - even on their
stomachs if need be and to have fun while doing it". Both
finished their races with a smile on their dial.
Another special mention goes to E - who had an amazing ski
race - buggered up his start and he was just pipped on
getting into the semi. E was also asked to step up to compete
in a taplin race for the Open men's. By far E was the
shortest and the youngest. But as per usual the little guy
stepped up - jumped into Little one's ski (couldn't quite
reach the pedals - minor details) and raced the ski leg for the
lads. Thumbs up E!!
Following are the results of where some of our athletes were
placed in the top 10:
- Kayla - Open Women's: Ski (1st); IM (4th); Bd (5th)
- Nix - U19 women's: IM (6th); Bd (5th)
- Tess - U16 Women's: Ski (5th)
- U16 Taplin women's Katie, Tess, Micky (4th)
- Katie - U16 Bd (5th)
- Kurtis - U19 men's: Ski (1st)
- Nate - U16 men's: Sprint (7th)
- Scout - U19 men's: Sprint (5th); Flags (4th)
- Paekak boaties (Amy, Sarah, Awhina, Jordan) U23W LC (5th)
Overall Paekak were 16th with 25 clubs competing.
The next carnival will be held at Oakura 11th/12th January
2014. If you have not got back to me regarding
the 'yay' or 'nay' for attending this meet and the ERC (Whangamata)
25th/26th January
2014. You have until this Friday to get
back to me. Failing that I will take your non reply as a
'nay'.
We will be having a BBQ after this Thursday's training - bring a
salad and $5.00 Santa secret thingy. Open to all U16 and over
including boaties and canoeists.
Until next time - have a wonderful Xmas and a very cool but
safe new years folks.. Safe journey to wherever you may be
travelling.
Take care and see you all at the beach
Cheers Teri
